Homeowners Association Basic Information and Resources

Homeowners Association Articles, Guides and Law

The articles, links and resources on this page are designed for members of condominium, planned development and TIC homeowners associations, as well as the many Realtors, managers, accountants and other professionals who deal with these associations. They provide the answers to commonly asked questions about forming and operating an HOA, and the text of many laws governing these associations.

Condominium and Planned Development Homeowners Associations

Forming and Operating a Small Condominium Homeowners Association–General Version

Step-by-step instructions for starting and running a small (2-20 unit) homeowners association, including forming an HOA, owner meetings, budgeting, establishment and collection of HOA dues, record keeping, taxes and governmental filings, and enforcement of homeowner obligations. This article contains information for both incorporated and unincorporated associations, and is directed at homeowners in all U.S. states.

Starting and Operating 2-4 Unit Condominium Homeowners Associations in California

This article provides step-by-step instructions for starting and operating a condominium homeowners association for a 2-4 unit property in California.

Starting and Operating an Incorporated Homeowners Association in California

This article provides step-by-step instructions for starting and running an incorporated California homeowners association.

Homeowners Associations (HOA) FAQs

More and more California homes are part of a homeowners association, condominium association, or community association. This article answers many of the questions commonly asked by HOA members (the owners of condominiums and other homes governed by owners associations), HOA managers, HOA directors, and HOA officers.

Smoking Restrictions In Condominiums

This article describes current laws restricting smoking in condominium buildings and explains how condo homeowners can create their own smoking bans and rules.

The Condominium Bluebook

Branden Bickel and I collaborated on a reference book containing a wealth of information about condominiums and planned developments in California. It contains detailed answers to the questions most commonly asked by property owners, Realtors(c), homeowners association officials, and property managers, along with useful forms, checklists, and step-by-step instructions for most homeowners association functions. It also collects virtually all of the laws relating to the day-to-day operation of a condominium project and planned development, including statutes from the Civil Code, Corporations Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Evidence Code, Vehicle Code, Labor Code, Health & Safety Code, United States Internal Revenue Code and California Revenue & Tax Code.

Each chapter of the Condominium Bluebook is divided into sections with descriptive headings. A detailed Table of Contents at the beginning of the book collects all of the headings, and includes every question in the “Questions and Answers” chapter, the descriptive title of each statute, and the topic of each checklist and form. The index at the back of the book provides a comprehensive alphabetical listing of key words and phrases. While I am no longer involved in the annual updating of the book, I continue to recommend it.

2014 Davis-Stirling Act

CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTIONS 4000-6150, the newly restated and revised California law that describes the requirements for homeowners association activities and the rights of owners in condominium and planned developments (PUDs).

Tenant In Common (TIC) Homeowners Associations

Starting and Operating A Tenants In Common (TIC) Owners Association

This article provides step-by-step instructions for starting and running a tenancy in common (TIC) group where each of the tenants in common has the right to occupy a particular apartment, house, office or other area.

Enforcing Tenancy In Common Agreements and Resolving Tenant In Common Disputes

Are TICs more risky to buy than condominiums? Do tenant in common owners fight more often than condo owners? Are TIC agreements really enforceable? Learn how tenancies in common are different than condominiums from a dispute and enforcement perspective.

TIC Property Tax Allocation

Often, each parcel of real estate receives a single property tax bill, regardless of whether there is one owner or ten. This article explains how to divide property tax among tenants in common owners and efficiently collect each co-owner’s share.

Fractional Owners Association

Starting and Operating A Fractional Owners Association

Step-by-step operating instructions for a fractional ownership association or any group that co-owns and shares vacation or resort property.